Another World
“I would like you to meet someone.” Katrina said
Katrina and I walked down the corridor of her home. The walls were a light cream colour while the picture of family and events were framed with a light
maple frame. We stopped at the third door on the right. Katina smiled and opened the door.
It’s the first time I’ve been in this room. The walls were a light mint colour. There was a piano in the middle of the room. To the left ten chairs were
laid out. Sitting on one was a man.
“Sally, I would like you to meet Shane Filan, my nephew.” Katrina said “Shane this is my friend’s daughter, Sally”
Shane stood up and took my hand into his. He kissed the top of my hand and looked into my eyes. He was still holding my hand but I didn’t pull away. It
felt right in his hand. It feels warm and safe.
“I’ll leave you two alone.” Katrina left the room and closed the door behind her.
Shane and I stayed where we were, looking into each others eyes. It was like we were having a silent conversation in our minds. Shane was the first to break the trance “Want to sit down?”
“Sure.” I said
We sat down and started talking. I lost track of what we were talking about but he got me laughing. I tried to stop laughing when Shane asked “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Why?” I asked in surprised
“Maybe you and I can do something. How about horse riding?”
“I don’t do horse riding. Beside I’m busy tomorrow.”
“Oh.” The disappointment on his face was clear. I felt terrible but there was nothing I could do.
Shane looked at his watch and said “I’ve got to go. I’ve got a meeting in an hours time and it take a good 45 minutes drive. Longer depending on the
traffic.”
We stood up and I said “It was nice meeting you Shane. Maybe when I’m not busy we can do horse riding.”
“Thought you said…”
“I’m willing to learn. Maybe it’s time to get over my fear.”
“Fear? Never mind. Have fun tomorrow.”
Shane kissed me gently on the forehead. Then his lips hovered next to mine. I was going to welcome what came next but he moved away. “See you around then.” He said
“Sure.”
He left the room and my heart felt like it sank. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.
The morning I was standing outside my mother’s manor. Dad was wearing his best suit while mother was wearing a white strapless dress made out of silk. I had ignored my mothers request to wear the same dress as her and instead chose a black dress.
A limo pulled up and I held my breath. The driver, Alan, got out and walked to the passenger side. He opened the door and another man came out. The man looked our way. Nicky. The man I’m engaged to walked over to us. He shook my dad’s hand, kissed my mother on both cheeks and kissed me on the lips.
“I’ve tried calling you.” Said Nicky “Why haven’t you answered?”
“I’ve been busy.” I simply said. It was the truth after all but at times I just didn’t want to answer.
“You’re always busy with your social life. But tonight we can be busy together.”
“You’re not married yet.” Mother said sternly
Nicky laughed a little and said “I’m not talking about that. There’s three lads I want Sally to meet.”
“Not without my approval first.”
“Thought you were going to say that. That’s why I’ve invited them here. My father and his party advisers will be coming this afternoon. With your approval,
they will set everything up.”
“You think of everything, that’s what I like about you.”
“Thank you. With your permission, I would like to take my future wife to my home for the afternoon.”
“You may but remember you’ll do nothing until your married.”
“I would not do such a thing. Now how about a cup of tea?”
I looked around and all I could see was royal blue and beech wood furniture. Even the duvet was royal blue. The only other colour was white for the curtains. This was Nicky’s room but there was no indication of what he did for a living. Nicky emerged from the bathroom and said “Hate dressing in suits. The tie always gets on my nerves. When I want to get it off, I can’t”
He started pulling at his tie and I smiled a little. “Here let me help.” I said
I walked over to him and started to undo his tie. I felt his eyes burn on my face and I tried to ignore him. Once I got the tie off, his lips touched mine.
He kissed me with urgency and passion. When I wouldn’t return the kiss, he pressed me onto his body and placed a hand on the back of neck. I tried to pull away, to stop him abut he was too strong. Sensing the tension he stopped kissing me but still held me to his body.
“Do you know how long I’ve waited to get you here?” He whispered.
“Mother will kill you.” I whispered back
“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”
“Nicky,” I pleaded helplessly
He ignored me and continued kissing. This time I allowed him. I hate dressing smartly myself so we both helped each other undress. He walked me to the bed and gently pushed me down. He carefully came on top of me and our lips touched once more.
“Come on, we’ve guest coming.” I heard him say
I opened my eyes and noticed I was in Nicky’s arms. I cringed at the thought of we had done.
“Get dressed. I’ll be downstairs.” Nicky kissed me on the cheek and left the room.
I stayed on the bed with my arms wrapped around me. I had wanted to do what we did for sometime but I can’t shake this strange feeling from me. I got out of bed and got dressed.
When I got downstairs Nicky was standing by the front door. He looked at me and smiled. I tried to smile back but all I could manage was a weak, meaningless smile. Nicky wrapped his arms around me when I joined him and kissed me.
“Let’s go.” He said and opened the door. “You’re going to like the lads I’m sure.”
“It’s not up to me.” I said sourly.
Nicky opened the limo’s door for me and we got in. When Alan closed the door Nicky said “Trust me, once we’re married you can make your own friends. Even if your mother doesn’t like them, doesn’t mean you have to.”
“Don’t know my mother.”
We got out of the limo and saw three men standing outside the door. Nicky looked at his watch and said “They’re early.”
He took my hand into his and we walked to the door. “Hi guys.” Nicky greeted them
They turned round and handshakes and high fives went all around. I studied their faces and saw him “Shane?”
“Sally.” Shane said “What are you doing here?”
“I live here.”
Shock invaded Shane’s face. Nicky obviously hasn’t told them much. As I was going to say something, the door opened.
“Mr. Nicky, Miss Sally.” said Miles, our butler “Come in.” He stood aside and we walked in.
“Sally go and get changed.” Mother immediately said
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I asked
“We have a formal dinner. Go.”
I did as I was told and went directly to my room. I looked on my bed and saw mother already picked something out. Ignoring her choice I picked up the white silk dress. I changed and looked in the mirror. I brushed my hair and decided to wear it down.
When I got to the dining room, everyone was seated. I looked for an empty place and saw one next to Nicky but was opposite Shane. I walked quickly to my seat and sat down.
“Good thing she doesn’t take forever.” Mother said “Nicky please do the introductions.”
“Yes. Sally I would like you to meet Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan.”
Nicky indicated to each person with his hand. I nodded in acknowledgement at Kian and Mark but tried to avoid eye contact with Shane. My heart thumped faster when I saw him just a few second ago. I didn’t want to complicate things.
“Shall we eat?” asked dad
Everyone nodded and the servants started to bring the food out.
After dinner I escaped down the corridor. My heart was racing after a conversation and hand contact with Shane. I wanted to be alone to calm down. But
just as I was going to walk into the drawing room, I spotted Shane.
“Hi.” He said
“Hi.” I said back
“Where are you disappearing of to?”
“Just the drawing room.”
“Just the drawing room?”
As an answer, I opened the door and walked in. I indicated to Shane to come in. He walked towards me and stopped just inches away.
“Impressive.” He said
“This is nothing.” I said “What until you see the bedrooms.”
I looked away from him wishing I could take that back.
“Maybe another time. Your mother wants you back in the dining room.”
“I need to escape for a bit.”
“Need company?”
I looked at him. Of course I wanted to say yes but if he stayed, suspicion will come. But I didn’t want him to leave. A sudden urge to kiss him came across
me and I tried to control myself.
“You’d better get back.” I said “Suspicion will creep in.”
“Maybe I don’t want to go back. Maybe I need to “escape” to.”
Our eyes locked. He placed his hand on my hip and gently pulled me to him. Then I felt his lips on mine. Eagerly I returned the kiss. My arms wrapped his
neck and his around my waist. I felt the warmth of his hand on the skin of my back and knew he had lifted my dress but I didn’t stop him. The only thing that did stop us was the door opening. We pulled away quickly but was not quick enough. The look on my dad’s face said everything.
“Get out.” he said firmly
Shane looked at me but I couldn’t hold his gaze.
“I said get out Filan. Out of this room, out of this house. Never come back.”
Shane obeyed and walked quickly out of the room. Dad followed him down the corridor and then I heard the front door open and close.
When one person is thrown out it’s a good time for the other guests to leave. Kian and Mark said their goodbyes while Nicky stayed a bit longer. He wanted to know why Shane was thrown out but dad was reluctant to give the reason why. I’m thankful that dad was the one who found us. If it was mother Nicky would have stormed out, dragging me with him.
“The best thing to do is forget about it.” dad said “Filan is no longer welcomed here. Egan and Feehily are very welcome.”
“OK. I’d better get going.” Said Nicky
“You can sleep here if you wish.” Mother said
“That’s more practical.”
“You know where the guest room is.”
The next morning I woke up with an ache. But it’s not an ache I’m used to. I’m used to headaches and stomach-aches and the lot but not aches from the
heart I got dressed and headed down the hall way to the guest room. I knocked once and heard Nicky say “Come in.” I opened the door and saw he was getting dressed. I blushed slightly seeing him topless.
“Don’t be shy. You’ve seen it before.” He said
“About that.” I began
“What?”
I lost all power to talk. I ran to him and pressed my lips against his. All control was lost when he began to undress me. He pushed me on the bed and I
played with his hair. But after a while the ache was still there. I stopped and Nicky got off.
“Cannot wait until we’re married.” Nicky said with excitement in his eyes.
“I can’t wait.” I said
Nicky laughed and kissed me on the cheek. Then he grabbed a shirt and said
“Got to dash. Don’t wait up.”
He left eh room and I placed a pillow over my head. If the ache wasn’t going to go with Nicky, then who can heal it?
I got out of the taxi. I needed to get to him before he goes. Knowing where to go I went in the direction for departures. I managed to catch him in the
corner of my eye and ran towards him. I grabbed hold of his shoulder and turned him round. My lips touched his and I felt the shock and surprise through him. I stopped and pulled away. We starred into others eyes.
“Don’t do that.” He said “You gave me a fright.”
“I’m sorry.” I said “I can’t help…”
“No. It’s quiet clear who your parents want you to marry. It’s clear who you love.”
“No it’s not. I know who I should be with but my heart has other ideas.”
I kissed him again and this time he returned it. After a while we pulled apart.
“We can’t do this. That’s why I have to leave.”
“Shane please.”
“No. Maybe in another world but not in this one.”
“I’ve been told to follow my heart. I can’t have my heart’s choice.”
“Get married. I won’t be there. Even if I get invited I won’t go. Be too hard.”
“I love you Shane. Please?”
“I love you. But we can’t be together. Learnt to love Nicky. He’s your husband to be as it is.”
We heard a voice saying the plane to Ireland was due to leave in 5 minutes. Shane kissed me softly on the cheek and said “I love you. Marry Nicky.”
Shane picked up his bag and walked away. I watched him until I could no longer see him.
“Goodbye… my love.” I whispered.
The end
Katrina and I walked down the corridor of her home. The walls were a light cream colour while the picture of family and events were framed with a light
maple frame. We stopped at the third door on the right. Katina smiled and opened the door.
It’s the first time I’ve been in this room. The walls were a light mint colour. There was a piano in the middle of the room. To the left ten chairs were
laid out. Sitting on one was a man.
“Sally, I would like you to meet Shane Filan, my nephew.” Katrina said “Shane this is my friend’s daughter, Sally”
Shane stood up and took my hand into his. He kissed the top of my hand and looked into my eyes. He was still holding my hand but I didn’t pull away. It
felt right in his hand. It feels warm and safe.
“I’ll leave you two alone.” Katrina left the room and closed the door behind her.
Shane and I stayed where we were, looking into each others eyes. It was like we were having a silent conversation in our minds. Shane was the first to break the trance “Want to sit down?”
“Sure.” I said
We sat down and started talking. I lost track of what we were talking about but he got me laughing. I tried to stop laughing when Shane asked “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Why?” I asked in surprised
“Maybe you and I can do something. How about horse riding?”
“I don’t do horse riding. Beside I’m busy tomorrow.”
“Oh.” The disappointment on his face was clear. I felt terrible but there was nothing I could do.
Shane looked at his watch and said “I’ve got to go. I’ve got a meeting in an hours time and it take a good 45 minutes drive. Longer depending on the
traffic.”
We stood up and I said “It was nice meeting you Shane. Maybe when I’m not busy we can do horse riding.”
“Thought you said…”
“I’m willing to learn. Maybe it’s time to get over my fear.”
“Fear? Never mind. Have fun tomorrow.”
Shane kissed me gently on the forehead. Then his lips hovered next to mine. I was going to welcome what came next but he moved away. “See you around then.” He said
“Sure.”
He left the room and my heart felt like it sank. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.
The morning I was standing outside my mother’s manor. Dad was wearing his best suit while mother was wearing a white strapless dress made out of silk. I had ignored my mothers request to wear the same dress as her and instead chose a black dress.
A limo pulled up and I held my breath. The driver, Alan, got out and walked to the passenger side. He opened the door and another man came out. The man looked our way. Nicky. The man I’m engaged to walked over to us. He shook my dad’s hand, kissed my mother on both cheeks and kissed me on the lips.
“I’ve tried calling you.” Said Nicky “Why haven’t you answered?”
“I’ve been busy.” I simply said. It was the truth after all but at times I just didn’t want to answer.
“You’re always busy with your social life. But tonight we can be busy together.”
“You’re not married yet.” Mother said sternly
Nicky laughed a little and said “I’m not talking about that. There’s three lads I want Sally to meet.”
“Not without my approval first.”
“Thought you were going to say that. That’s why I’ve invited them here. My father and his party advisers will be coming this afternoon. With your approval,
they will set everything up.”
“You think of everything, that’s what I like about you.”
“Thank you. With your permission, I would like to take my future wife to my home for the afternoon.”
“You may but remember you’ll do nothing until your married.”
“I would not do such a thing. Now how about a cup of tea?”
I looked around and all I could see was royal blue and beech wood furniture. Even the duvet was royal blue. The only other colour was white for the curtains. This was Nicky’s room but there was no indication of what he did for a living. Nicky emerged from the bathroom and said “Hate dressing in suits. The tie always gets on my nerves. When I want to get it off, I can’t”
He started pulling at his tie and I smiled a little. “Here let me help.” I said
I walked over to him and started to undo his tie. I felt his eyes burn on my face and I tried to ignore him. Once I got the tie off, his lips touched mine.
He kissed me with urgency and passion. When I wouldn’t return the kiss, he pressed me onto his body and placed a hand on the back of neck. I tried to pull away, to stop him abut he was too strong. Sensing the tension he stopped kissing me but still held me to his body.
“Do you know how long I’ve waited to get you here?” He whispered.
“Mother will kill you.” I whispered back
“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”
“Nicky,” I pleaded helplessly
He ignored me and continued kissing. This time I allowed him. I hate dressing smartly myself so we both helped each other undress. He walked me to the bed and gently pushed me down. He carefully came on top of me and our lips touched once more.
“Come on, we’ve guest coming.” I heard him say
I opened my eyes and noticed I was in Nicky’s arms. I cringed at the thought of we had done.
“Get dressed. I’ll be downstairs.” Nicky kissed me on the cheek and left the room.
I stayed on the bed with my arms wrapped around me. I had wanted to do what we did for sometime but I can’t shake this strange feeling from me. I got out of bed and got dressed.
When I got downstairs Nicky was standing by the front door. He looked at me and smiled. I tried to smile back but all I could manage was a weak, meaningless smile. Nicky wrapped his arms around me when I joined him and kissed me.
“Let’s go.” He said and opened the door. “You’re going to like the lads I’m sure.”
“It’s not up to me.” I said sourly.
Nicky opened the limo’s door for me and we got in. When Alan closed the door Nicky said “Trust me, once we’re married you can make your own friends. Even if your mother doesn’t like them, doesn’t mean you have to.”
“Don’t know my mother.”
We got out of the limo and saw three men standing outside the door. Nicky looked at his watch and said “They’re early.”
He took my hand into his and we walked to the door. “Hi guys.” Nicky greeted them
They turned round and handshakes and high fives went all around. I studied their faces and saw him “Shane?”
“Sally.” Shane said “What are you doing here?”
“I live here.”
Shock invaded Shane’s face. Nicky obviously hasn’t told them much. As I was going to say something, the door opened.
“Mr. Nicky, Miss Sally.” said Miles, our butler “Come in.” He stood aside and we walked in.
“Sally go and get changed.” Mother immediately said
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I asked
“We have a formal dinner. Go.”
I did as I was told and went directly to my room. I looked on my bed and saw mother already picked something out. Ignoring her choice I picked up the white silk dress. I changed and looked in the mirror. I brushed my hair and decided to wear it down.
When I got to the dining room, everyone was seated. I looked for an empty place and saw one next to Nicky but was opposite Shane. I walked quickly to my seat and sat down.
“Good thing she doesn’t take forever.” Mother said “Nicky please do the introductions.”
“Yes. Sally I would like you to meet Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan.”
Nicky indicated to each person with his hand. I nodded in acknowledgement at Kian and Mark but tried to avoid eye contact with Shane. My heart thumped faster when I saw him just a few second ago. I didn’t want to complicate things.
“Shall we eat?” asked dad
Everyone nodded and the servants started to bring the food out.
After dinner I escaped down the corridor. My heart was racing after a conversation and hand contact with Shane. I wanted to be alone to calm down. But
just as I was going to walk into the drawing room, I spotted Shane.
“Hi.” He said
“Hi.” I said back
“Where are you disappearing of to?”
“Just the drawing room.”
“Just the drawing room?”
As an answer, I opened the door and walked in. I indicated to Shane to come in. He walked towards me and stopped just inches away.
“Impressive.” He said
“This is nothing.” I said “What until you see the bedrooms.”
I looked away from him wishing I could take that back.
“Maybe another time. Your mother wants you back in the dining room.”
“I need to escape for a bit.”
“Need company?”
I looked at him. Of course I wanted to say yes but if he stayed, suspicion will come. But I didn’t want him to leave. A sudden urge to kiss him came across
me and I tried to control myself.
“You’d better get back.” I said “Suspicion will creep in.”
“Maybe I don’t want to go back. Maybe I need to “escape” to.”
Our eyes locked. He placed his hand on my hip and gently pulled me to him. Then I felt his lips on mine. Eagerly I returned the kiss. My arms wrapped his
neck and his around my waist. I felt the warmth of his hand on the skin of my back and knew he had lifted my dress but I didn’t stop him. The only thing that did stop us was the door opening. We pulled away quickly but was not quick enough. The look on my dad’s face said everything.
“Get out.” he said firmly
Shane looked at me but I couldn’t hold his gaze.
“I said get out Filan. Out of this room, out of this house. Never come back.”
Shane obeyed and walked quickly out of the room. Dad followed him down the corridor and then I heard the front door open and close.
When one person is thrown out it’s a good time for the other guests to leave. Kian and Mark said their goodbyes while Nicky stayed a bit longer. He wanted to know why Shane was thrown out but dad was reluctant to give the reason why. I’m thankful that dad was the one who found us. If it was mother Nicky would have stormed out, dragging me with him.
“The best thing to do is forget about it.” dad said “Filan is no longer welcomed here. Egan and Feehily are very welcome.”
“OK. I’d better get going.” Said Nicky
“You can sleep here if you wish.” Mother said
“That’s more practical.”
“You know where the guest room is.”
The next morning I woke up with an ache. But it’s not an ache I’m used to. I’m used to headaches and stomach-aches and the lot but not aches from the
heart I got dressed and headed down the hall way to the guest room. I knocked once and heard Nicky say “Come in.” I opened the door and saw he was getting dressed. I blushed slightly seeing him topless.
“Don’t be shy. You’ve seen it before.” He said
“About that.” I began
“What?”
I lost all power to talk. I ran to him and pressed my lips against his. All control was lost when he began to undress me. He pushed me on the bed and I
played with his hair. But after a while the ache was still there. I stopped and Nicky got off.
“Cannot wait until we’re married.” Nicky said with excitement in his eyes.
“I can’t wait.” I said
Nicky laughed and kissed me on the cheek. Then he grabbed a shirt and said
“Got to dash. Don’t wait up.”
He left eh room and I placed a pillow over my head. If the ache wasn’t going to go with Nicky, then who can heal it?
I got out of the taxi. I needed to get to him before he goes. Knowing where to go I went in the direction for departures. I managed to catch him in the
corner of my eye and ran towards him. I grabbed hold of his shoulder and turned him round. My lips touched his and I felt the shock and surprise through him. I stopped and pulled away. We starred into others eyes.
“Don’t do that.” He said “You gave me a fright.”
“I’m sorry.” I said “I can’t help…”
“No. It’s quiet clear who your parents want you to marry. It’s clear who you love.”
“No it’s not. I know who I should be with but my heart has other ideas.”
I kissed him again and this time he returned it. After a while we pulled apart.
“We can’t do this. That’s why I have to leave.”
“Shane please.”
“No. Maybe in another world but not in this one.”
“I’ve been told to follow my heart. I can’t have my heart’s choice.”
“Get married. I won’t be there. Even if I get invited I won’t go. Be too hard.”
“I love you Shane. Please?”
“I love you. But we can’t be together. Learnt to love Nicky. He’s your husband to be as it is.”
We heard a voice saying the plane to Ireland was due to leave in 5 minutes. Shane kissed me softly on the cheek and said “I love you. Marry Nicky.”
Shane picked up his bag and walked away. I watched him until I could no longer see him.
“Goodbye… my love.” I whispered.
The end